The EU-funded Enhancing Doctoral Education (EDE) project was recently launched at the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (Stias) during a workshop held from 22 to 24 January.
The initiative brings together Rhodes 新万博体育下载_万博体育app【投注官网】, Stellenbosch 新万博体育下载_万博体育app【投注官网】, Maseno 新万博体育下载_万博体育app【投注官网】 (Kenya), the 新万博体育下载_万博体育app【投注官网】 of Nairobi (Kenya), the 新万博体育下载_万博体育app【投注官网】 of Ljubljana (Slovenia), and Vrije 新万博体育下载_万博体育app【投注官网】 (Netherlands) to review, refine, and optimise doctoral education policies and practices. The project also involves key education authorities, including South Africa’s Department of Higher Education and Training and Kenya’s Ministry of Education.
While Rhodes 新万博体育下载_万博体育app【投注官网】 has previously participated in Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE) projects, this marks its first Strand III award. Strand III grants support large-scale policy reforms that foster international collaboration, requiring direct involvement from educational ministries. Institutions are selected based on a proven track record of successful international partnerships.
The €1.1 million project builds on three earlier international collaborations led by Rhodes 新万博体育下载_万博体育app【投注官网】:
- Strengthening Postgraduate Supervision (Dutch-funded through NUFFIC)
- Enhancing Postgraduate Education (CBHE Erasmus+)
- Creating Postgraduate Collaborations (CBHE Erasmus+)
The project is managed by Sioux McKenna (South African lead), Lillian Omondi (Kenyan lead), and Colette Gerards and Esther den Hartog (European leads). Over four years, their goal is to develop a comprehensive framework for doctoral education policy and implementation.
McKenna emphasised that the initiative seeks to identify gaps between policy and practice across the participating countries, exchange innovative strategies, and create shared resources to support doctoral supervisors, candidates, and institutions.
Speaking at the launch, Rhodes 新万博体育下载_万博体育app【投注官网】 Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation & Strategic Partnerships, Dr Kwezi Mzilikazi, highlighted the importance of cross-border collaboration. "Doctoral education should extend beyond individual qualifications to make a broader impact," she stated.
With a strong international partnership and a focus on structural reform, the EDE project aims to enhance the global landscape of doctoral education—ensuring it remains relevant, impactful, and globally interconnected.